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Mickelson leads Scottish Open

12/07/2007

Three-time major champion Phil Mickelson shares a lead of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond after hitting a superb opening round 65.

The 37-year-old American sits on six-under-par with British hopes Lee Westwood and Graeme Storm, and Denmark's Soren Hansen who has come into form at a propitious time before this month's British Open at Carnoustie.

A chasing pack which includes Finland's Miko Ilonen and Mark Foster lie one shot behind the leaders.

World number three Mickelson, whose participation at the British Open was put in doubt by a wrist injury, hit an eagle and five birdies in his own return to form after missing the cut at last month's US Open.

Having earlier said that participating in the Scottish Open would allow him to acclimatise for his fifth Open attempt, Mickelson commented on the favourable conditions on the course.

"We had a great, great day to score low and we had a lot of rounds under par this morning," the two-time US Masters winner said.

And while Mickelson admitted that his injury had not fully recovered, he added: "I know I can't damage it any further and so I'm not afraid to go for the shots."

Home favourite Colin Montgomerie was not able to produce the scintillating form which saw him triumph at last week's European Open at the K Club in Ireland, ending a 19-month title drought, but still carded a respectable two-under round of 69.

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